“Well?”

“How does it taste?”

“Move aside, it’s my turn now.” The second customer urged the first, but the first customer didn’t move after taking the pancake. He took just one bite and asked for another.

The customer behind him grew impatient and annoyed, nearly complaining to Master Tang: “Look at him!”

Tang Xianling chuckled, not quite so upset. He said, “Please eat first. These pancakes are best hot; once they cool, they become greasy. After you finish one whole pancake, you can switch to a sweet-flavored pot sticker if you like.”

Some people have eyes bigger than their stomachs. Or when hungry, the aroma makes them think they could eat a whole cow. But in reality, a single pancake is all they can handle. Overindulging in anything spoils its flavor.

The first customer realized this made sense. “Alright, I’ll take Master Tang’s advice and eat first.” He took the pancake to the side, not leaving yet. Instead, he lingered in front of the shop, taking another careful bite.

Truthfully, the pancake wasn’t overly greasy. Crispy and flaky, it differed from the pot-sticker wrapper, which was drier with a richer, oilier filling. This pancake, however, combined the crispiness with the softness and aroma of egg, resulting in a fluffier texture that avoided the dryness of the pot-sticker wrapper.

Especially the sauce—blended with the crisp freshness of Chinese cabbage leaves, the smoked pork is fried thin until slightly charred and chewy. Savoring it all together, you could still detect the distinct smoky flavor of the cured meat…

Every flavor blended together perfectly, creating a delicious harmony.

The texture was complex, yet it all came together beautifully.

“Delicious!” exclaimed the first customer. “I’m not as eloquent as Old Man Cui, but it’s simply good. One bite leaves you craving another. It’s got just the right amount of oiliness, and it’s not expensive.”

Another whole egg, plus two slices of meat—also smoked. The most crucial thing is that it tastes good. If it didn’t, the money would be wasted.

The second customer couldn’t wait.

Tang Xianling worked swiftly: filling the pancake, frying the meat, brushing on sauce, layering Chinese cabbage, then folding it into a triple-layered pancake. “Careful, it’s hot!”

The second customer took it, blew on it, and bit down. A crisp ‘crunch’ echoed as steam rose from the pancake. He huffed and said, “It’s different.”

“You haven’t even tasted it yet!” someone behind him teased with a laugh.

The second customer insisted, “I said it’s different from other pancakes—it’s fragrant!”

Tang Xianling kept an eye on the pancakes while monitoring the bread’s cooking time. When it was nearly done, she called out to Tieniu, “The bread’s ready. Just take it out. Mom, see who wants bread?”

Cui Dabao, stuck in line but desperate for a bun, called out impatiently, “I want a pork floss bread! Auntie Tang, save me a pork floss bread! I’m in the egg pancake line!”

Many customers were in the same predicament as Cui Dabao, so Jiang Yun busied herself collecting payments and delivering buns.

Ding Quan found the scene amusing and ordered a loaf himself without moving. The bread’s aroma was overpowering, yet the egg pancakes’ fragrance held its own—especially the sizzling sound of oil. Master Tang’s pancake-making skills were a visual delight.

Finally, Cui Dabao’s turn came: “I’ll take two. Put them both in my food basket.”

Tang Xianling promptly began preparing them.

Once Cui Dabao received his pancakes, he carried the basket in one hand while devouring one with the other. A single bite instantly lit up his eyes as he squinted, “Mr. Tang’s craftsmanship is beyond reproach.”

The layers of flavor were rich and perfectly harmonized.

The egg blended with the pancake, crispy on the outside and fluffy within. The sauce and smoked pork delivered a bold, mouthwatering punch, while the Chinese cabbage cut through the richness with a refreshing crispness. Cui Dabao nodded his head in delight as he ate, marveling at the deliciousness. He finished the entire pancake without feeling the slightest greasiness, its aroma lingering on his lips and teeth.

“I’ll have a red bean pot sticker too.” Someone, halfway through their egg pancake, suddenly craved the sweet pot sticker.

For those with big appetites, finishing one egg pancake followed by a sweet red bean pot sticker meant a satisfying burp afterward—no need for lunch! Perfect!

Ding Quan bought his pancakes—delicious! Carrying a basket with pork floss bread and red bean pancakes, he hailed a cab home from Baxing District Main Street. He usually spent much time entertaining Young Master Wei, though the young master hadn’t been in town lately.

“This breakfast is tasty, but it lacks a certain elegance,” Ding Quan murmured to himself.

He served and entertained the young masters. In those wealthy households, the higher the status, the stricter the rules—every utensil for eating and drinking had its protocol. Brother Tang’s breakfast was tasty enough, but it was a bit rough around the edges. It probably wouldn’t meet the young masters’ standards. However, Young Master Wei was a laid-back sort who didn’t fuss over such things. He was often out playing, so the pork floss bread might be worth offering as a novelty. Other dishes, however, were out of the question.

Though wrapped in oil paper, the stuffed pancakes inevitably left greasy smudges everywhere when eaten. The crispy bread lost its aroma once cooled.

Breakfast stalls closed before noon once all the leavened goods sold out. Everything was tidied away, leaving only scraps like leftover sauce and bits of smoked meat—perfect for stir-frying later that afternoon.

“Closing up shop!” Tang Xianling stretched his limbs, yawned, and stretched his arms while turning to ask, “Mom, Tieniu, what’s for lunch?”

Huangfu Tieniu: “What do you want to eat?”

Tang Xianling: …

“I say what we eat, right?”

“Right.” Huangfu Tieniu added, “I’ll go buy it.”

Tang Xianling couldn’t suppress a snort. “Smoke and heat all morning’s ruined my appetite. I’ll splash some water on my face first, then we’ll talk about eating.”

Silly Ox. Not only does he work for free at his place, but he even pays to feed himself.

What a goofball.

“Then you rest. I’ll clean up.” Huangfu Tieniu first extinguished the stove fire, then gathered the unused charcoal into the charcoal basket. He thoroughly cleaned the ash from the bottom of the stove, sweeping it into a pile. Afterward, he moved the table further into the shop, placed the jars and pots onto a tray, and carried them to the back kitchen.

He was strong and quite experienced at this sort of work.

Jiang Yun watched with a look of satisfaction—truly, “a mother-in-law grows fonder of her son-in-law the more she sees him.” She said to her Wu-ger, “Tieniu is a good lad. You should cherish him.”

“Alright.” Tang Xianling agreed immediately, grinning as he asked, “So from now on, if Tieniu and I kiss or hold hands, you won’t say it’s improper, right?“

Jiang Yun’s eyes widened. She peeked out furtively. The shop door was still open, and people were coming and going on the street. Fortunately, all the customers had left after their purchases. She turned back to Wu-ger and whispered suspiciously, ”You two aren’t married yet. You still have to follow the rules.”

“…Boring. I’m kissing him anyway—” Tang Xianling deliberately played the contrarian, but halfway through his protest, Tieniu emerged from the back. Their eyes met, and he continued with the righteous indignation of a little rascal. So, are you gonna let me kiss him or not?

Huangfu Tieniu flushed crimson, though his thoughts wandered elsewhere.

Tang Xianling, deliberately breathing on him like a kitten wanting to scratch, was utterly adorable.

Does he want to kiss me?

Well… maybe.

Jiang Yun: …She couldn’t control Wu-ger.

Then forget it.

She wanted to teach Wu-ger to behave, to be proper—all from her own experience. But then she thought, her experience wasn’t exactly exemplary. Her life was a mess anyway. Best to just let Wu-ger be.

“Let’s have something soup-based for lunch,” Tang Xianling said.

On the street, soup options included the muddy soup from the Hu Tu family, steamed dumplings with corn soup, and mutton offal soup—

“Don’t dare eat mutton offal soup. Your father dislikes it,” Jiang Yun cautioned. Their family had opened a mutton soup and noodle shop first; the mutton offal soup shop came later. Old Tang always said that the place tasted off and should pack up and leave.

Tang Xianling was about to insist on mutton offal soup when his gaze caught Yuan Heqing, Master Yuan, not far away. He immediately changed his tune and toned it down: “If Father doesn’t like it, then forget it. Let’s just have something Father likes.”

Jiang Yun’s face fell. When had her Wu-ger become so obedient?

Tang Xianling: One must be filial.

Then, turning as if just noticing Master Yuan, Tang Xianling feigned surprise. “Master Yuan, what brings you here at this hour? Please come inside. We’ve just finished a busy shift, and the shop is a bit messy.”

“Mother, this is Master Yuan.”

Jiang Yun, unused to such dignitaries, felt awkward and stiff. Huangfu Tieniu bowed with clasped fists, addressing him as Master Yuan.

“I’ve just returned from Xucun,” Yuan Heqing explained. “I thought I’d drop by for a cup of tea.”

They led Master Yuan to the unopened section of the shop. This area was clean and free of cooking fumes—where Tang Xianling and Jiang Yun usually ate—and featured a square table with stools.

“Please take a seat, Master Yuan. I’ll brew some tea,” Tang Xianling said, heading toward the back.

Jiang Yun offered, “Let me do it.”

“Mother, I’ll handle it. You chat with Master Yuan.” Tang Xianling called Tieniu to follow him to the kitchen to boil water for tea, giving him a chance to tidy up his appearance and wash his face.

Huangfu Tieniu felt a bit nervous as he fetched water for Tang Xianling to wash his face.

Tang Xianling: “Huh? Why are you nervous? Mother’s very pleased with you now. She just told me to treat you with care.”

Huangfu Tieniu’s arms stiffened as he held the basin. He recalled Tang Xianling’s earlier words about wanting to kiss him—

“Wash your face too. What are you thinking about?” Tang Xianling finished washing his face.

“Nothing.” Huangfu Tieniu stiffly wiped his face, too embarrassed to admit he was thinking about Tang Xianling kissing him.

In front of the shop.

Yuan Heqing said, “Huangfu Tieniu hired me to be his matchmaker. I went to Xucun yesterday. Only he remains in his family; his adoptive father passed away two years ago…” She gave a brief, straightforward account, then added, “I visited Xucun. Villagers said Tieniu and his adoptive father always lived secluded lives—”

Seeing Tang Xianling’s mother didn’t quite grasp it, he paused, then rephrased in simpler terms: “Meaning Tieniu and his adoptive father stayed deep in the mountains year-round. They only came down when they brought game to sell in Fengyuan City or the town. But both Tieniu and his foster father were genuinely good people. Though quiet, over the past decades, his foster father would support the villagers—either buying salt from them or gathering mint and honeysuckle in the mountains to give freely to everyone.”

This village had a straightforward atmosphere where people spoke plainly. When he inquired about Tieniu, the villagers were initially wary of this outsider. But once he revealed his identity, they suddenly became warm and genuinely concerned about Huangfu Tieniu.

They said Tieniu’s foster father was a good man, and poor Tieniu was a pitiful child, found with a hole in his head, wrapped up tight.

Young villagers added, “Brother Tieniu seems cold on the surface, but he’s actually easy to talk to.”

Eventually, word reached the village chief, who declared they must find Tieniu a good wife.

Yuan Heqing made no mention of Tang Xianling’s circumstances. Huangfu Tieniu’s own situation was quite ordinary, unlike that of the villagers. Now, orphaned and living alone, he wished no connection to the Huangfu family of Tonglu. They would respect Huangfu Tieniu’s wishes.

As long as Huangfu Tieniu wasn’t a dangerous criminal hiding under a new identity.

“After my verification, it’s true as he said. He was found and adopted by his foster father at thirteen. He’s not a vicious person, has good character, speaks little, and though he looks fierce, he’s never hurt anyone.”

Not everyone in the village spoke well of Huangfu Tieniu. Some villagers claimed he looked like a fierce demon and so on. When pressed on whether he had committed any evil deeds, they stammered and couldn’t provide a clear answer.

Jiang Yun nodded repeatedly. “These past two days, Tieniu has been helping out at my home. He works diligently and listens well to Wu-ger. I feel completely at ease with him.”

“In that case, I shall proceed to inquire about the Tang family’s circumstances with Tang Xianling,” Yuan Heqing stated impartially.

Jiang Yun tensed, clutching her clothes. “Lord Yuan, please don’t question the neighbors! It’s not that my Wu-ger has poor character or anything. I just want to arrange the marriage for the two children as soon as possible. Old Tang has been bedridden for over half a year now, and I fear…”

At this point, Jiang Yun’s tears fell. “It’s all my fault. I didn’t properly arrange a match for Wu-ger earlier, and now our family is in this predicament.”

Not knowing how to console her, Yuan Heqing remained silent.

After weeping for a while, Jiang Yun continued, “Wu-ger’s business is thriving now. Our family is caught between a rock and a hard place—everyone’s watching us. Old Zhao from the sugar-oil pancake shop even wants to set him up with a husband, but I know it won’t be a good match. My Wu-ger has suffered enough. I can’t let him endure any more hardship.”

“Has a matchmaker come to propose?” Yuan Heqing asked.

Jiang Yun shook her head, yet spoke with absolute certainty, “It won’t be long before they do. That’s precisely why I want to secure a match for Wu-ger and Tieniu as soon as possible. And then there’s the Li family in the back courtyard, trying to swindle us out of our shop. Tieniu is tall and strong. With him around, Wu-ger will at least have someone to rely on. If things come to blows, he won’t be at a disadvantage.”

Yuan Heqing, being a matchmaker, often walked the streets and alleys. He knew well how the common folk lived. He didn’t stand aloof and say things like, “Why not report it to the authorities?” Instead, he said, “You are Tang Xianling’s mother. If you agree, I’d also like to meet his father. After all, it’s the parents’ decision—”

“His father lies paralyzed in bed. His condition worsened recently, and he’s been unconscious. He only wakes for moments at a time. That’s what terrifies me.” Jiang Yun began weeping again, sobbing intermittently as she pleaded, “Old Tang cherished these two shops above all else. Now that they’re being targeted, I’ll never dare face him in the afterlife.”

Tang Xianling arrived carrying a tea tray. “Mother, please stop crying—too many tears will harm your eyes.” He added, “Please have some tea, Master Yuan. It’s just simple, coarse tea from our home.”

He poured tea for Master Yuan.

Yuan Heqing thanked him, took the cup, but didn’t drink. He looked at Tang Xianling, then at Huangfu Tieniu. The pair truly made a perfect match—Tieniu’s face still held traces of youthful innocence yet carried a steady presence, while Tang Xianling was delicate and beautiful, his eyes occasionally sparkling with lively intelligence.

Now that Tieniu had no family, and the Tang household needed someone to establish authority, it was indeed a good match.

“I wish to meet Father Tang. If his illness prevents him from speaking, once Mrs. Tang gives her consent, she may provide me with Tang Xianling’s birth chart. I will return to calculate it, draft the betrothal agreement, and seek an auspicious date for the engagement ceremony,” Yuan Heqing stated.

Jiang Yun: “Can it be done quickly?”

Yuan Heqing: “I’ll check the dates.” He then looked at the two parties involved.

“The sooner the better. I’ll follow my mother’s wishes,” Tang Xianling replied with restraint.

Huangfu Tieniu solemnly nodded: “We’re indebted to Master Yuan.”

“Then I shall select the earliest possible date.” Yuan Heqing had never arranged such a swift marriage before. He was naturally cautious, double-checking everything. This sudden haste made him uneasy—after all, it was a matter of lifelong commitment. Should their union prove unhappy, the blame would fall on him.

Yuan Heqing sighed inwardly, set down his teacup, and rose.

“Let’s go.”

Jiang Yun was still dazed. Where were they going? Tang Xianling explained, “Mother, Master Yuan wants to see Father. He just mentioned it.”

“Oh.” Jiang Yun frowned with worry.

Yuan Heqing asked, “Is something wrong?”

“No, nothing,” Jiang Yun replied, leading the way. She thought to herself that since Old Tang was now in a coma, it should be fine.

Tang Xianling, however, wasn’t afraid of Old Tang waking up. If he woke up, so be it. If he cursed him, so be it. He didn’t think Master Yuan was the type to blindly honor filial piety. If he cursed him, he could even give Master Yuan a live demonstration—

Before they reached the east room, coughing and labored breathing echoed from within.

Jiang Yun’s face froze. What she feared most had come to pass. Yuan Heqing, however, felt a bit relieved. Children’s marriages should be discussed with parents first. It was good that Father Tang had woken up.

They pushed open the door and entered.

Father Tang lay motionless on the bed, his eyes vacant and his face gaunt. Though gasping for breath, his words were sharp. He cursed Jiang Yun, demanding to know where she had gone and threatening that she would kill him.

“We have guests at home. I’ll entertain them out front for a while. Would you like some water?” Jiang Yun hurried forward to attend to him.

Father Tang struggled to raise his hand, cursing, “What guests? That wicked beast still does business? You treat him like a child, but he’s a monster! He killed Silang and ruined the Tang family!”

“Father…” Tang Xianling’s eyes reddened as he sniffed.

Father Tang shuddered, pointing an accusing finger. “Get out.”

“Wu-ger, please step outside first,” Jiang Yun said hurriedly, wiping away tears.

Tang Xianling replied, “Then I’ll go prepare Father’s medicine.” He took Tieniu with him.

Yuan Heqing stood by, unable to get a word in. The Tang family had a Silang? How could Wu-ger have killed him?

Father Tang coughed, drank water, and then urinated.

“Master Yuan, please step outside. I’ll change Old Tang’s pants,” Jiang Yun said.

Yuan Heqing nodded and stepped outside. Tang Xianling was brewing medicine over a small stove, head bowed in thought. Huangfu Tieniu handed him items nearby, saying, “Don’t be sad.”

“I’m not sad,” Tang Xianling replied, though he sniffed again. Spotting Master Yuan emerging nearby, he added, “We’ve made a spectacle for Master Yuan.” “

Yuan Heqing: ”You have a fourth brother?“

”Yes.“ Tang Xianling nodded. ”I never met him. I heard my fourth brother died before he was a year old.”

Yuan Heqing frowned. Died before a year old? How could anyone say Tang Xianling had killed Tang Silang?

“My father always wanted a son. Years later, my mother gave birth to me. Neighbors said he mistook me for a boy and named me Tang Xianling.” Tang Xianling pointed to the spot between his eyebrows. “A newborn’s birthmark is faint and hard to see, especially hidden under the eyebrows.”

Tang Xianling didn’t feign sorrow; his voice remained flat as he recounted the life of his Wu-ger.

To Yuan Heqing, his detached demeanor screamed of deep-seated hurt now numbed. Huangfu Tieniu lowered his head, turning his face away as he wiped his eyes with the back of his hand.

“…My father cursed me a beastly scourge, blaming me for not being a son, for ruining the family and reducing him to this state.” Tang Xianling saw Tieniu wiping his eyes. Was Tieniu crying?

Tieniu was cold-faced but kind-hearted.

Yuan Heqing frowned, hearing faint curses from the east room, along with something about someone falling down. Tang Xianling called out loudly: “Mother, is Father all right? Should I come—“

”It’s fine, it’s fine. I just knocked over the basin of water,“ Jiang Yun called back from inside. Yuan Heqing watched Tang Xianling retrieve the small fan and use it to stoke the medicinal furnace, making the flames rise higher. 

He couldn’t help but offer comfort: ”This isn’t your fault. Your previous marriage was arranged by your parents.” 

If blame must be placed, it certainly shouldn’t fall on Tang Xianling. Jiang Yun emerged carrying the empty basin, forcing an awkward smile. “I must tend to Old Tang first. Master Yuan, please wait a moment.”

“Then I’ll fetch water,” Tang Xianling said, rising. “The water jar at home is empty.” Huangfu Tieniu clenched his fist. “I’ll go.” He lowered his head, picked up a bucket, and walked out. Jiang Yun felt the house was too small, so she invited Master Yuan to the front of the shop to have some tea.

“Please go to the front, Master Yuan. I’ll call you once my father is better. They say family troubles shouldn’t be aired in public, but today we’ve made a spectacle of ourselves,” Tang Xianling said. 

Yuan Heqing nodded and was about to step forward when a voice called from the other side of the wall: “Sister-in-law, Wu-ger, how is Master Tang? I heard a lot of commotion—is he unwell?”

The words sounded like concern, but the tone clearly wasn’t, tinged with urgency. Yuan Heqing halted. He recalled what Tang Xianling’s mother had mentioned earlier—half the Li family still kept an eye on the Tang family’s two shops. 

“He’s fine,” Jiang Yun replied.

Tang Xianling: “No need to worry, Father is all right.”

“Ah, I see,” came a sigh of regret from the opposite wall. It sounded like regret that Father Tang was still well and alive. Only now did Yuan Heqing understand why Tang Xianling’s mother had urged him so earlier. Sitting before the shop, he downed his long-cooled tea in one gulp. 

The bitter taste made him frown. Glancing at the shop, he saw Wu-ger running the business with meticulous cleanliness and order. Because he wasn’t a son, everything was blamed on Tang Xianling. That wretched marriage—Tang Xianling had swallowed the bitter fruit alone.

Huangfu Tieniu returned with water, setting the bucket down before approaching Yuan Heqing. “I’m willing to pay an extra matchmaker’s fee,” he said. “Please arrange our match as soon as possible, Lord Yuan.”

“I won’t accept extra money,” Yuan Heqing replied. He had intended to urge Huangfu Tieniu to treat Tang Xianling well, but seeing the reddened corners of Huangfu’s eyes, he knew further words were unnecessary.

Huangfu Tieniu cherished Tang Xianling.“I’ll arrange the betrothal gift promptly.” Yuan Heqing affirmed. At this point, it didn’t matter whether Father Tang would agree or not—he was in a persistent stupor anyway.

Huangfu Tieniu clasped his fists and bowed deeply in gratitude.”Before, I only heard him mention that the Hu family was troublesome, but I never knew he endured such hardship growing up in his own home.” Huangfu Tieniu felt a pang of sorrow at the memory.

Seeing this, Yuan Heqing remarked, “You never thought of your own past, yet you grieve for Tang Xianling.”

This pair truly shared a bond of shared suffering. He recalled Huangfu Tieniu mentioning his mother’s early death and his difficult childhood in the Huangfu household, where he had no foothold. Now, he had completely forgotten his own hardships, remembering only Tang Xianling’s struggles, even shedding tears of sympathy.

That day at noon, Yuan Heqing took Tang Xianling and Huangfu Tieniu’s birth charts and headed home. He thanked the Tang family for their invitation to stay for lunch, but he still had work to attend to.

Meanwhile, the old lady selling sugar-oil cakes who had left the city yesterday hadn’t returned yet. 

Next door at the Lu residence, Chen Qiaolian called for Sanniang to watch the shop during lunch. Carrying a basket, she stepped out to buy a packet of pastries and a piece of candy, then picked up a jar of oil. She walked past the main street without hailing a carriage, heading toward another quarter where a matchmaker resided.

Lu Sanniang kept watch at the shop. With few customers at this midday hour, boredom crept in. Spotting her eldest brother emerge from the back yard, she struck up a casual conversation: “Mother’s gone off doing who knows what. She won’t say a word when I ask, and she didn’t even eat her lunch properly.”

Lu Dalang guessed immediately: Mother must be seeking a matchmaker for his marriage. Yet for some reason, his heart felt oddly hollow. It wasn’t that he liked Tang Wu-ger—their families lived so close, and Tang Wu-ger was older than him. When he married Juren Hu, he hadn’t felt this way….It must have been Sanniang who suggested it. If he married Fifth Brother Tang, he could eat the meals Fifth Brother Tang cooked from now on.

As these thoughts crossed Lu Dalang’s mind, he glanced up and saw a young man emerge from Tang Wu-ger’s shop. The lad was about his age, taller, and strikingly handsome. Though both wore coarse cloth garments, the other looked like some young master from a wealthy family. Lu Dalang knew, however, that he was merely a helper at the Tang household.

The helper carried a vegetable basket, heading toward the butcher’s shop. Lu Sanniang saw him too. She lowered her hand from her cheek and said, “Brother, the helper at Wu-ger’s place is really handsome.”

“You, you’re a grown woman now. You shouldn’t be saying things like that in public.” Lu Dalang pinched his sister’s cheek. “Don’t let yourself be fooled by good looks.”

“A man’s worth is measured by his abilities.”

“You can’t just judge by appearance.”

Lu Dalang rattled off a string of words.

If Tang Xianling had been there to hear this, he’d surely have whispered to Lu Sanniang: Who says handsome men are bad? Does that mean ugly men are automatically good?

That’s laughable. Just looking at Tieniu’s face and build makes me want to eat an extra bowl of rice!